AT&T Workers Approve New Labor Contract

Pact Includes Better Working Conditions And Enhanced Job Protection

September 08, 2010

Union workers at AT&T in Connecticut have approved a contract with the telecommunications giant by a wide margin, nearly 18 months after their last one expired, the Communications Workers of America said Wednesday.

Workers ratified the new deal by a vote of 1,875 to 352, according to the CWA. Voting was by mail and the results were certified Tuesday by the American Arbitration Association in Boston.

Local 1298 is the last of AT&T's seven core wireline (landline) bargaining units to ratify a new labor deal.

"We stood strong and got a better contract than those in the rest of the country that settled without doing the battle," said Bill Henderson, president of CWA Local 1298. "Now that we have a new agreement, CWA members are ready to work with AT&T toward a common goal which benefits workers and AT&T. We want to make sure that Connecticut customers get the best possible service."

The new contract, which expires April 4, 2012, offers enhanced job protection, better working conditions, additional health benefits for retirees and retroactive raises with back pay, according to the union.